Roeland Park

Johnson County, where Roeland Park resides, is one of the most popular places to live within the Kansas City metropolitan area. Unsurprisingly, home prices here are high here, but Roeland Park remains the most affordable place to live in the area. “The draw really is the price point and character of the homes. Most were built in the ‘50s and many have solid stone foundations. A lot of first-time home buyers are choosing this neighborhood as their destination,” says Realtor Nick Massa of Nick Massa Real Estate Group. Massa lives in Roeland Park. Roeland Park’s location also contributes to its desirability as living here places you right next to all of Kansas City’s main roads and shopping centers. “There are tons of mom-and-pop shops, restaurants and bars within walking distance,” Massa says.

Homes in Roeland Park sell quickly due to the area’s popularity and Massa estimates it will see vast growth in the next five to ten years. “Prices are steadily increasing, but the average cost of a home here is still $300,000, whereas in cities surrounding Roeland Park, it’s $600,000.” People appreciate that the neighborhood is established with mature trees. The most common homes in Roeland Park are two-to-four-bedroom ranch-style properties and new traditionals – you’ll also find the occasional Craftsman and modern split level. A completely remodeled two-bedroom property can go for as low as $260,000 in this neighborhood, and a four-bedroom home with a large yard for $400,000. Streets here are welcoming and wide with sidewalks that connect neighbors and houses are shaded by trees.

Johnson Drive, which borders Roeland Park to the south, is the major thoroughfare of the neighborhood. "A bunch of local businesses line this street, and a lot of people spend time going to those places,” Massa says. There, you’ll find The Snack Shack and The Bar, always buzzing with activity. The Snack Shack is an Americana diner loved for their burgers and decor that transports you through time. Locals watch their favorite teams play at The Bar which serves up craft brews and pub grub within a rustic interior. Along Johnson Drive you’ll also find Natural Grocers, a dance academy for kids, a hair salon, Pilates studio and more.

According to Massa, the next place people frequent in Roeland Park is R Park on Juniper Drive. “The city just renovated the entire space and is still working on it. They hold a lot of events there on the weekends.” The park has its own entertainment area that hosts these events, including free summer music concerts. There’s also a bike path just for kids in R Park and a playground for them to enjoy. Many of R Parks trees have identification markers for those who fancy themselves naturalists and love digging deeper into what the earth holds.

Students in Roeland Park are served by the Shawnee Mission School District. Among its schools, they may attend Prairie Elementary School, Indian Hills Middle School and Shawnee Mission South High School. Each of them earns an A rating from Niche. Students gain real-world experiences through the school district's initiatives to pair them with internships in fast-growing fields such as digital media, animation and game design, engineering and more.

Roeland Park is a highly walkable neighborhood so you won’t need a car to get around here, but you may want one for commutes around the wider Kansas area. Downtown Kansas City, filled with skyscrapers and art-deco buildings, is only 5 miles south along Interstate 35. Catch a symphony there at the Kauffman Center, explore waterfront shopping at River Market and enjoy its vibrant nightlife scene. For faraway adventures, the nearest airport is 25 miles and 27 minutes by car via Interstates 29 and 635 South.

Roeland Park offers a small-town life in a well-connected neighborhood.

Written By

Kathryn Ashworth

Photography Contributed By

Brooke Wasson

Video By

Zack Kojoyian